White House draws backlash for using Spider-Man as an ICE agent

White House uses the superhero as Tom Holland’s 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' shatters box office records

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Published August 07, 2026

White House uses the superhero as Tom Holland’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” shatters records on box office

The White House is receiving backlash for using Spider-Man to promote ICE ( Immigration and Customs Enforcement) crackdown on immigrants.

The first photo in the carousel post shows a web slinging out of Spider-Man’s hand. The next two only show the web, before the last picture features a line of people caught in the web.

“Criminal illegal aliens will be caught and deported,” reads the text on the last photo.

The post was shared with the caption: “Your friendly neighborhood ICE agents.”

It came days after the latest Spider-Man movie set an all-time record at US and Canadian movie box offices over the weekend. The White House’s use of the superhero for propaganda drew strong criticism from Spider-Man fans on social media.

“Spider-Man himself would personally arrest Donald Trump BTW,” said an angry fan commenting on the White House Instagram post.

One user wrote, “Do NOT involve Spider-Man in this.”

“I hope Marvel sues for infringement,” wrote another. Meanwhile, the movie globally brought in a total of $932 million in ticket sales, the second highest-grossing total in cinema history.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which marks actor Tom Holland's fourth appearance as Spider-Man, depicts Peter Parker fighting crime in a world that has forgotten he is Spider-Man. Zendaya co-stars as MJ, the love of Parker's life.



Abdul Hafeez
Abdul Hafeez is a Deputy News Editor at The News International (Digital) with over 12 years of experience. He specialises in celebrity news, pop culture trends, and entertainment reports. His work also explores national political narratives, social issues, and human-interest stories, providing insightful commentary for a global audience.
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